Mature cystic teratomas of the ovary: case series from one institution over 34 years

Objective: To evaluate bilaterality, complications and malignant changes of mature cystic teratomas of the ovary. Study design. Retrospective study of 501 patients operated at Hacettepe University Hospital between the years o f 1964 and 1998. Results: The median age was 35 years (range 13-76). One hu ndred and six cases (21.1%) were asymptomatic. The mean tumor diameter was 7.0+/-4.5 cm, The decision for cystectomy or oophorectomy was related with the patient age, gravidity and parity. The bilaterality rate when both ovar ies were evaluated histopathologically was 13.2% (44/331), Total complicati on rate was 10.7%, torsion being the most frequent (4.9%). The rate of mali gnant transformation was 1.4%. Conclusion: Ovarian mature cystic teratomas are common tumors especially during the reproductive period with low rates of covert bilaterality, complications and malignant transformation. The tre atment should be directed on the basis of age, fertility desire or presence of another pelvic pathology rather than the size or bilaterality. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.